Wake up call for ladies as league begins in defeat to Cavan

Editorial Department • Published 11 Feb 2010 09:26 0 Comments

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Tricia Melanaphy holds off a Cavan forward during the sides' league meeting.

Fermanagh 2-02; Cavan 2-09;

Cavan were out to prove a point against last year's All Ireland finalists in this, the opening game of the league. The Breffni ladies showed a hunger and desire throughout this game that was not matched by Fermanagh and it secured the visitors their first three league points of the season.

The Fermanagh team that lined out in Brewster Park on Sunday was a much changed side to the one that took to the field on All Ireland final day, in September last. Only seven of that team started with Anita Newell, Edel McGovern, Sharon McGovern, Donna Maguire, Catherine Murphy, Kyla McManus and Aishling McCaughey all missing from David Mee's team sheet.

This enabled Mee to put his faith in a number of debutants, Michelle Burke (Newtownbutler), Mary Cunningham (Kinawley), Naoímhin Daly (Newtownbutler) and Catherine Dolan (Newtownbutler) all featured and will benefit from the experience of what is always a gruelling affair between these two sides.

Cavan did not hold back and within ten minutes of the throw-in they had built up a 2-02 to 0-00 lead, with scoring chances for the home side very rare. Cavan dictated the pace of this game from the outset and 19 minutes had elapsed before Fermanagh were presented with their first decent scoring opportunity. Sharon Little was fouled by the Cavan keeper and this year's captain, Caroline Little, stepped up to take the penalty. Her shot was saved, denying Fermanagh the chance to register their first score.

Five minutes later though, the Erne ladies finally hit the back of the Cavan net. Caroline Little played a high ball over the top of the Cavan defence, for full forward Imelda McGovern to latch onto. The Derrygonnelly player coolly slotted home with her trusty left peg, to leave the half time score 1-00 to 2-05 in favour of Cavan.

Fermanagh did show some improvement in the second half but they were always chasing this game. As they pushed forward in a bid to reduce the deficit, Cavan hit them on the rebound and had it not been for some great saves by Donna Gilroy, Cavan's lead could have been much greater.

Caroline Little did manage to net Fermanagh's second goal midway through the second half, along with a point. The only other score for the home side came from the boot of Sharon Little. Cavan's Aisling Doonan caused Fermanagh a lot of problems all afternoon and there was no questioning who the deserved winners were.

A sentiment that was shared by Fermanagh Manager David Mee.

"We never got going, in the last five minutes we played a bit better but the game was gone at that stage. I honestly don't think we'll play any worse than that all season," he surmises.

"It was the wake-up call we needed because if we don't raise the bar we won't win, simple as that. The teams we play will be raising the bar when they line out against us, given we reached the All Ireland last year. It's not a case of just turning up, there's a lot of hard work needed," says Mee.

A defeat to Cavan always hurts and Mee hopes that this will spur Fermanagh on to victory this weekend.

"The girls knew themselves it wasn't up to the level it should be. You could have heard a pin drop in the dressing room afterwards. I think they realise they have to raise their game," says Mee.

Roscommon make their way to Garrison on Sunday and the manager knows it won't be easy.

"They (Roscommon) are last year's Division Three champions and we'll definitely not be taking them lightly. If the girls apply themselves and show the right attitude then we'll be in with a chance but we can't be complacent," he warns.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 11 Feb 10

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